Uzbekistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed on a comprehensive roadmap to expand cooperation in peaceful nuclear development. The agreement was reached during the meeting on December 4 between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, where they discussed broadening bilateral cooperation and exploring new areas of practical partnership.
A History of Collaboration
Uzbekistan has been a member state of the IAEA since 1994. Over the past three decades, more than 40 joint projects have been implemented with the technical assistance of the agency. Currently, five active projects focus on strengthening Uzbekistan’s legal framework and institutional capacity, as well as advancing nuclear science, healthcare, and related sectors.
Mirziyoyev praised the productive results of the IAEA delegation’s meetings with Uzbekistan’s ministries, agencies, and scientific organizations. He also welcomed the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear Energy, which will be held in Samarkand on December 5 with the participation of leading experts in the field.
Priority Areas for Cooperation
The meeting outlined several key priorities for Uzbekistan-IAEA cooperation, including:
• Enhancing the capacity and competence of national agencies.
• Preparing high-skilled personnel for nuclear-related fields.
• Developing nuclear energy, agriculture, water use, healthcare, and ecological programs under the IAEA’s guidance.
Adoption of a Joint Roadmap
As a result of the meeting, Uzbekistan and the IAEA agreed to adopt a joint roadmap to strengthen multidimensional cooperation in peaceful nuclear development.
Nuclear Power Plant Construction
In related developments, The Times of Central Asia has previously reported that Russia’s Atomstroyexport and Uzbekistan’s Directorate for NPP Construction have signed a contract to build a small-capacity nuclear power plant (SCNPP) in the Jizzakh region. The plant will feature a Russian-designed ASMP with a total capacity of 330 MW, consisting of six 55 MW reactors. Rosatom will serve as the primary contractor, with contributions from local Uzbek companies.
The collaboration between Uzbekistan and the IAEA, along with the planned nuclear power plant, highlights the country’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes while addressing energy and sustainability challenges.
